Babcock partners with SMEs to manufacture uncrewed ground vehicles

Babcock has signed two separate agreements with SMEs which will see the companies explore systems integration and joint manufacturing opportunities for uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) technology.  

The two memorandums of understanding (MoU) were signed with Estonia-headquartered Ark Robotics on 16 September and UK-based Digital Concepts Engineering (DCE) on 17 September, during the Defence Vehicle Dynamics event in Bedfordshire, UK. 

What do the agreements involve? 

The agreement with Ark Robotics will see the company work with Babcock to manufacture UGVs together in the UK. Specifically, it covers “manufacturing, systems integration, and payload integration” for Ark’s A1 UGV, which is currently deployed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 

The A1 is an electric vehicle that can travel at speeds of up to 40kph, with a range of 20km per charge, and a 15kg payload capacity. Babcock has already demonstrated an A1 UGV integrated with a “concept smoke generator”, designed to autonomously provide cover for troops. 

Meanwhile, the DCE agreement will see the SME partner with Babcock on UGV development, in addition to integration and manufacturing. 

DCE’s “mid-sized” X-Series UGV – capable of carrying payloads from 150kg to 500kg – and its Marionette Universal Control System, which allows vehicles to be converted for remote or autonomous operation, are highlighted as “central” to the partnership. 

DCE has already integrated the X-Series with Babcock’s “digital ammunition rack”, which demonstrates the potential of the platform to resupply artillery systems and other logistical supplies, the defence prime says.